JPH04308652A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a structure and a method between reasonable connecting members allowing a battery pack to be fitted to or removed from a portable medical device using the battery pack quickly, easily, and effectively. CONSTITUTION: The housing 14 of a battery pack 10 contains a battery storage partition storing a battery and a connector partition. The connector partition contains a latch face 64, an extraction face 62, and an electric receptacle 86 in the aligned state. The connector partition is displaced, however the battery pack 10 can be fitted or removed quickly, easily, and effectively. The mass center of a medical device is matched with the carrying handhold of the medical device while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the battery pack storage section of the medical device.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more specifically to a connecting member for connecting a battery pack and various medical devices.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Batteries are widely used to provide electrical energy to portable devices and the like. Although batteries are available in a variety of conventional sizes, shapes, and ratings, many devices are intended for use only with specially designed battery packs. While battery packs are often more expensive than traditional batteries, there are many reasons why it may be advantageous to use such battery packs.

For example, battery packs can be designed to suit the unique power requirements of a device, and the battery pack used can have multiple accumulators. Additionally, the battery pack can be designed to be coupled to the device more quickly, easily, and effectively than conventional batteries. Additionally, the battery pack can incorporate, along with the accumulator, additional elements useful to the device and not included in a standard battery. Additionally, the battery pack housing is superior to conventional batteries in terms of mechanical and environmental protection of the storage battery.

One particularly important embodiment of battery packs is for powering medical equipment. Since medical equipment is used in emergency situations, it is clear that the power supply for the equipment in such cases must be absolutely reliable. However, when a battery pack is left in use, the energy stored in the battery pack is inevitably depleted and eventually becomes insufficient to power these medical devices. Unless you have finished using this device or are happy to connect it to an auxiliary power source, you must remove the discharged battery pack and insert a charged replacement battery pack. Must be. In short, to minimize interruptions in the operation of equipment in operation,
Battery packs in use must be able to be replaced quickly and easily.

An example of a medical device using a battery pack of the type described above is the one manufactured by Physio-Cont Corporation.
There is a portable cardiac defibrillator and electrocardiogram monitor called LIFEPAK 5 (trade name) sold by Rol Corporation. These cardiac defibrillators and electrocardiogram monitors can be interconnected or used independently, and each is designed to be powered by a rechargeable battery pack.

In this regard, the battery packs are housed in respective mounting recesses provided adjacent to one corner of the cardiac defibrillator and one corner of the monitor. Each recess has a floor surface, an end wall surface, and two side wall surfaces, and is partially open at the connector end surface. A pair of terminals for a male electrical connector are provided on the floor of the recess. These terminals are located adjacent to the connector end faces of the recess and spaced apart from the side walls.

The battery packs used in the cardiac defibrillator and monitor are interchangeable and have a generally uniform rectangular cross-section. Each battery pack has a top surface, a bottom surface, an inclined end surface, a connector end surface, and a pair of side walls. A pair of electrical receptacles are provided on the bottom surface of each battery pack adjacent the connector end surfaces of the battery pack. These receptacles are designed to be inserted into connector terminals located in the recesses.

[0008] Furthermore, one latch arm is provided on the connector end face of the battery pack. The latch arm is integrally molded with the battery pack and extends upwardly from the bottom of the battery pack so as to be located between the two connector end faces. The free end of this latch arm can be resiliently pressed toward the battery pack and has a detent that engages a recess as described below.

[0009] The battery pack is connected to a cardiac defibrillator or monitor by first inserting the sloping end surface of the battery pack into the battery mounting recess of the mating cardiac defibrillator or monitor. The connector end face of the battery pack is then inserted into the connector end face of the recess, and the pair of terminals for the male electrical connector on the floor of the recess will electrically and mechanically engage the receptacle on the bottom of the battery pack. Accordingly, the free end of the latch arm in the battery pack is pushed by the edge protrusion provided on the connector end face of the recess. The latch arm is resilient, so further insertion of the battery pack forces the detent at the free end of this latch arm over the lip protrusion, securing the battery pack securely in the recess. can.

To remove the battery pack, press the free end of the latch arm with your finger so that the detent can again pass over the lip protrusion. Another edge protrusion located at the connector end of the battery pack allows the battery pack to rise out of the recess.

[0011]

The particular battery pack described above is only one example of many battery packs designed for a variety of applications. However, commercially available battery packs are often not compatible with newly developed devices, and can be quickly and easily installed into such new devices to meet the power requirements of the new device.
Furthermore, it would be desirable to develop a new type of battery pack that does not disrupt or disrupt the general ergonomics of the new device.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable medical device using a battery pack and a battery pack used therein that can be quickly, easily, and effectively attached to and detached from the medical device compared to conventional batteries. The object of the present invention is to provide a rational structure and method for connecting members to each other.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems] One of the requirements of the present invention is that
A battery pack used in a medical device that has a center of mass, a latch part, an ejection part, and an electrical connection part. The battery pack includes an energy storage member that stores electrical energy. A latch engagement member, a takeout engagement member, and a connector engagement member are physically coupled to the energy storage member. The latch portion engaging member is adapted to engage with the latch portion. The take-out portion engaging member is configured to engage with the take-out portion. The connector engagement member is adapted to engage the electrical connection. The latch portion engaging member, the ejecting portion engaging member, and the connector engaging member are arranged substantially aligned with respect to a plane that is offset from the center of mass of the battery pack.

Another requirement of the invention is that the medical device is used with a battery pack. To this end, the medical device includes a housing and a carrying handle coupled to the housing to allow a user to carry the medical device. A battery pack storage section is provided in the housing of this medical device to accommodate the battery pack. The battery pack storage section is positioned such that when the battery pack is stored in the battery pack storage section, the center of gravity of the medical device is generally aligned with the portable handle of the medical device.

[0015] In the medical device, a latch member is incorporated into the housing adjacent to the battery pack storage portion;
The battery pack is releasably engaged with the battery pack when the battery pack is housed in the battery pack storage part. Similarly, a take-out member is assembled into the housing so as to be adjacent to the battery pack storage part and aligned with the latch member, and when the battery pack is stored in the battery pack storage part, a reaction force is applied to the battery pack in the ejection direction. Let it work. Further, an electrical connection member is incorporated into the housing so as to be adjacent to the battery pack storage portion and aligned with the ejection member, thereby electrically connecting the battery pack and the medical device. In a more preferred form, the latch member is a pressure latch biased in one direction, the ejecting member is a spring, and the electrical connection member is a plurality of electrical connectors. The latches, springs, and electrical connectors are arranged around a common centerline.

More specifically, the present invention is characterized in that the battery pack includes a housing including a battery storage compartment and a connector compartment, and the housing is accommodated in the battery pack housing. This battery storage compartment is roughly parallelepiped in shape, with the top surface
It is composed of a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. A power storage device that stores energy as an energy storage member and transmits power to the medical device is housed in this battery storage compartment.

A connector compartment is disposed adjacent to the first side of the battery storage compartment and has a connector surface, a latching surface, and an ejection surface, each surface being generally parallel to a front surface of the battery storage compartment. . The connector face of the connector compartment is spaced a first distance from the front face of the battery storage compartment. The latching surface of the connector compartment is spaced from the front face of the battery storage compartment by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The outlet surface of the connector compartment is spaced from the front face of the battery storage compartment by a third distance that is greater than the second distance.

Further, the cross section of the connector section is approximately L-shaped, and a recess is partially formed between the latch surface and the ejection surface. When the battery pack is introduced into the battery pack storage, the latching surface of the connector compartment cooperatively engages the latching member of the medical device, and the ejection surface of the connector compartment engages the ejection member of the medical device. Collaboratively engage with. At this time, at least the latch member and the take-out member are partially accommodated in the recess. Finally, electrical connection with the medical device is made by an electrical connector that is physically connected to the connector surface of the connector section and electrically connected to the power storage device.

Further preferably, the connector surface, the latch surface and the ejection surface provided on the battery pack are distributed symmetrically about one reference surface. In addition, guide recesses are formed on the upper surface of the battery storage compartment of the battery pack at respective boundary portions adjacent to the first and second side surfaces, and a fitting recess is also formed on the bottom surface. The connector compartment has a fourth distance greater than the third distance from the front surface of the battery storage compartment.
A charger connection surface is further provided at a position separated by a distance, and a charger connection member is physically connected to the charger connection surface so that the charger can be used with the battery pack. The charger connecting member is electrically connected to a power storage device, which is an energy storage member, to establish an electrical connection with the charger.

[0020] In order to connect the battery pack having the above structure to a medical device, the battery pack is first introduced into a battery pack housing provided in the medical device. Next, the connector provided on the battery pack is electrically connected to the corresponding connector provided on the medical device, and the latch surface provided on the battery pack and the latch member provided on the medical device are mechanically connected. engage with. Then, the battery pack and the medical device are easily connected by pressing the removal surface provided on the battery pack while making contact with the removal member provided on the medical device. These electrical connections, mechanical engagements and contacts are configured to be substantially aligned.

[0021]

[Operation] Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, the connection work between the battery pack and the medical device is linear, and the electrical and mechanical connections are simultaneously performed in one motion, smoothly and reliably. . Since there is a line of action that aligns the latch surface, ejection surface, and connector surface at a position away from the center of mass of the battery pack, a force is always applied to the center of mass from one direction, causing unstable rattling. This allows for smooth insertion.

In addition, since the center of gravity of the medical device is aligned with the portable handle when the battery pack is attached, the medical device naturally hangs down from the user's hand when being carried. The device can be maintained in the correct position at all times.

[0023] When removing the battery pack from the medical device in order to replace it, by releasing the latch, the force stored in the spring of the ejecting member acting on the attached battery pack will quickly remove the battery pack. Extrude to. Therefore, the battery pack can be replaced quickly. For a removed battery pack, a charger can be immediately connected to a charger connection member provided on the rear side of the battery pack.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A battery pack 10 for use in a medical device 12 is shown in FIG. battery pack 10
is a portable power source that provides the energy required for proper operation of device 12. Equipped with battery pack 10, device 12 can be used in a variety of locations, for example, where AC power is not available.

As explained in detail below, battery pack 10 is designed to exhibit a number of advantageous features. For example, since the functions of the battery pack 10 housing are guiding, latching, and ejecting, these functions are accomplished in a mechanically simple battery pack 10. Additionally, the latching, connection, and ejection features of battery pack 10 are aligned along one axis, although offset from the center of mass of battery pack 10, so that battery pack 10 is flush relative to device 12. Insertion and removal are ensured. With this configuration, the battery pack 10 can be quickly and easily removed from the device 12 and can be reliably replaced with a replacement battery pack.

To explain the structure of this battery pack 10 in more detail, the main component of the battery pack 10 is the housing 14 shown in FIG. The housing 14 is formed by a case 16 and a cover 18 shown in FIG. 2, both of which are interconnected by ultrasonic welding and a pair of fasteners 20. Case 16 and cover 18 cooperate to provide both mechanical and electrical protection for the other components of battery pack 10, as will be discussed in more detail below. Additionally, the case 16 plays a major role in aligning the latches and ejectors associated with the device 12 of the battery pack 10.

With respect to each of these components in the battery pack housing 14, the case 16 is divided into a battery storage compartment 22 and a connector compartment 24. Battery storage compartment 22 houses the components of battery pack 10 that store the energy required for proper operation of device 12. In turn, connector compartment 24 of case 16 houses the components necessary to recharge battery pack 10 and connect it to device 12.

The battery compartment 22 of the case 16 has a rectangular front surface 26, a rectangular rear surface 28, a first side surface 30, a rectangular second side surface 32, a square top surface 34, and an open bottom surface 3.
6. A narrow projecting piece 38 projects from the front surface 26 over the same length as the battery storage compartment 22 on the upper surface 34 of the battery storage compartment 22 . 1st
A side recess 40 is provided at a corner defined by the top surface 34 and the first side surface 30 of the battery compartment 22 . Similarly, the second side recess 42 is connected to the battery storage compartment 22.
It is provided at a corner defined by the upper surface 34 and the second side surface 32. Both recesses 40 and 42 extend throughout the entire length of the case 16.

Also, the battery storage compartment 22 of the case 16
A pair of mounting posts 44 for cover fasteners are provided in the case 16 on the upper surface 34 and protrude toward the open bottom surface 36. The pillars 44 are spaced apart on a plane approximately midway between the first side surface 30 and the second side surface 32 of the battery storage compartment 22, and connect the battery storage compartment 22 to the first and second battery storage compartments 46, It is divided into 48 parts. As will be discussed in more detail below, the protruding end of the post 44 may form, for example, a threaded hole for engaging the cover stop 20.

Considering the connector compartment 24 in the battery pack case 16, as shown in FIG.
The connector compartment 24 projects from a first side 30 of the battery storage compartment 22 of the case 16 . The connector compartment 24 includes a top wall 50, a side wall 52, and a rear wall 54.
and a front wall portion 56, the bottom portion thereof and the first side surface 30 side of the battery storage compartment 22 are each in an open state.

The upper wall portion 50 of the connector section 24 is divided into a number of coupling surfaces, including an upper surface 58, a lower surface 60, and a take-out surface 6.
2, including a latch surface 64 and a latch lift surface 66. The upper surface 58 of the upper wall portion 50 connects the side wall portion 52 to the battery storage compartment 2.
2. The first side surface 30 of FIG. The upper surface 58 is substantially parallel to the upper surface 34 of the battery storage compartment 22 and has a level difference equal to the depth of the recess 40 in the battery storage compartment 22.

The lower surface 60 of the upper wall 50 also connects the side wall 52 of the connector compartment 24 and the first side 30 of the battery storage compartment 22. This lower stage surface 60 is the upper stage surface 58
A step is formed which is substantially parallel to the height of the extraction surface 62 and has a distance equal to the height of the extraction surface 62. That is, the extraction surface 62 is
This means that the front end of the upper stage surface 58 and the rear end of the lower stage surface 60 at 0 are connected. As shown in FIG.
2 is substantially orthogonal to the upper stage surface 58 and the lower stage surface 60.

The latching surface 64 of the upper wall 50 extends from the front end of the lower surface 60 at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees relative to the lower surface 60. The height of this latch surface 64 is only approximately 1/4 of the height of the ejection surface 62. The final portion of the top wall 50 is a rounded latch lift surface 66 that curves forward downwardly from the top of the latch surface 64 to the front wall 56 of the connector compartment 24.

The side wall portion 52 of the connector compartment 24 of the case 16 is approximately L-shaped as shown in FIG. The side wall 52 is parallel to the first side 30 of the battery storage compartment 22 and is joined thereto by a top wall 50, a rear wall 54 and a front wall 56.

The rear wall portion 54 is connected to the side wall portion 5 of the connector compartment 24.
2 and the first side 30 of the battery compartment 22 . This rear wall portion 54 is also coupled to the upper surface 58 of the upper wall portion 50 at an angle slightly larger than 90 degrees. A charger connector opening 68 is located approximately at the center of the rear wall portion 54 .

The last wall of connector compartment 24 discussed below is front wall 56. The front wall 56 is connected to the first side 30 of the battery compartment 22 and the side wall 5 of the connector compartment 24.
It extends almost perpendicularly between the two. The front wall 56 includes three cylindrical connector supports 70 projecting orthogonally therefrom. These connector support parts 70 are arranged in a pattern in which the axes of the three support parts define the vertices of an equilateral triangle, and one side of the triangle is adjacent to and parallel to the bottom surface of the front wall part 56. Furthermore, the ejection surface 62 and the latch surface 64 are
It can be seen that the one vertical virtual reference plane that divides into two equal parts also divides the supports at the apex of these connector supports 70 into two equal parts, and passes through the intermediate portion between the two connector supports 70 on the lower side thereof. .

Regarding the relative positions of some of these features, the front wall 56 underlying the connector support 70 extends a first distance d1 rearwardly from the front surface 26 of the battery compartment 22 of the case 16. It is located somewhere. Similarly, the latch surface 64 extends rearwardly from this front surface 26 in a second direction.
It is located approximately at a distance d2. Furthermore, the extraction surface 62 is located approximately a third distance d3 rearwardly from this front surface 26. More preferably, d3 is greater than d2, and d2 is greater than d1. As will be explained in more detail below, such relative positioning of the connection, latching and ejection features has been found to be particularly effective and efficient.

The cover 18, which is another component of the housing 14, will be explained below. The cover 18 covers the battery storage compartment 22 and connector compartment 24 of the case 16.
It is configured to cover the bottom of both. The cover 18 includes a pair of device clearance recesses 72 spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other in the portion of the cover 18 on the side of the case 16 that closes the battery compartment 22 . This recess 72 is located at the bottom of the battery pack 10 in the assembled state, and it is clear from FIG. 2 that the closer it gets to the front of the battery pack 10, the wider the recess 72 becomes, while the deeper it becomes shallower. .

A pair of fastener insertion holes 76 are provided in the cover 18 between the two clearance recesses 72 and spaced apart from each other. With the cover 18 placed on the case 16, the stopper insertion holes 76 are positioned to align with the cover stopper mounting posts 44 provided on the case 16. As a result, the cover 18 can be fixed to the case 16 by the fasteners 20 after ultrasonic welding.

Having considered the construction of housing 14, the components of battery pack 10 contained within housing 14 will now be described in detail. In relation to this, Figure 2
As shown, a pair of batteries 78 and 80 are housed within the battery storage compartment 22 of the case 16 and on opposite sides of the fastener mounting posts 44, respectively. battery 78
and 80 each include a storage battery 82 and two terminals 84. This storage battery 82 can be, for example, a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery or a nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery. These two batteries 78 and 80 are connected in series to provide a 3.4 amp hour, 12 volt power source.

Battery 78 and device 12 connected in series
Electrical connection therebetween can be achieved with the aid of three female electrical connectors or receptacles 86. In particular, as shown schematically in FIG. 3, the positive terminal of battery 78 +t1
is connected to the first connector c1 of the receptacle 86, the negative terminal -t1 of this battery 78 is connected to the positive terminal +t2 of the receptacle 86, and the battery 80
-t2 is the negative terminal of the second connector c2 of the receptacle.
It is connected to the. Third connector c of receptacle 86
3 is not directly connected to these batteries 78 and 80. These receptacles 86 are each supported within a connector support 70 provided in the connector compartment 24 of the case 16.

The next component of battery pack 10 to be described below is printed circuit board 88, which is housed within connector compartment 24 of case 16. This circuit board 8
8 includes a plurality of components used to charge the battery pack 10. For example, circuit board 88 includes a three-pin connector block 90 that provides electrical interconnection with receptacle 86 as well as electrical interconnection with batteries 78 and 80. Specifically, the first pin p1 of the connector block 90 is connected to the first connector c1 of the receptacle 86, and the second pin p2 of the connector block 90 is connected to the second connector c2 of the receptacle 86.
and the third pin p of the connector block 90
3 is connected to the third connector c3 of the receptacle 86.

[0043] The connector block 90 also has a circuit board 88.
connected to several other components. More specifically, the anode terminal of blocking diode CR1 is connected to pin p3 of connector block 90, and its cathode terminal is connected to pin p1. As will be seen below, this blocking diode CR1 prevents the series connected batteries 78 and 80 from discharging through the battery charger or charger when an unenergized charger is connected to the battery pack 10. is prevented. Diode CR1 also prevents batteries 78 and 80 connected in series from lighting up the charging indicator included in device 12, but when a charger is connected to battery pack 10, this indicator lights up. let

RV1 is a 22 volt metal-oxide varistor (MOV) connected to pin p of connector block 90.
3 and pin p2. Similarly, the second
Varistor RV2 is connected to pin p1 of connector block 90.
and pin p2. These varistors RV1 and RV2 prevent electrostatic discharge from occurring on the charger cord.

Circuit board 88 also includes a 5-pin connector block 92 that allows battery pack 10 to be attached to charger 156, illustrated as a block in FIG. To explain the various connections to the connector block 92, resistance R1 is connected to pin p of the connector block 92.
3 and pin p2 of the connector block 90. If a lead acid battery 82 is used, another resistor R2 is connected between pin p2 of connector block 92 and the anode terminal of diode CR1. If a nickel-cadmium battery 82 is used instead, a resistor R3 is connected between pin p1 of the five-pin connector block 92 and the anode terminal of the diode CR1. Charger 1
If high frequency interference present in the battery pack via the connections to 56 is a problem, these resistors can be removed from this circuit board and radio frequency (RF) chokes installed in their place.

Two of the more important components of circuit board 88 are resistor R4 and thermistor RT1. These resistors R4 and thermistors RT1 are collectively selected according to the particular charger used and are connected in parallel between pins p4 and p5 of connector block 92 to provide temperature compensation circuit 93 as shown in FIG. and is configured to compensate for ambient temperature influences or effects experienced by the charger during charging. Related to this, battery pack 1
0 is also intended to be used with chargers that operate in a fail-safe mode, i.e., where the output voltage drops to a low level if an open thermistor circuit is detected. has been done. As a result, continuous overcharging of the battery pack 10 is prevented.

Circuit board 88 may include additional components in addition to temperature compensation circuit 93, as seen in FIG. For example, circuit board 88 may include battery pack identification circuitry 95 using an encoded format to allow medical device 12 or a charger to identify battery pack 10 and communicate that information to battery usage or battery maintenance. It is stored in the recorded file.

Additionally, circuit board 88 may include battery charge status indicator circuitry 97 if desired. The charging state display circuit 97 monitors the charging state of the battery pack and outputs a signal indicating whether the battery pack 10 is in a usable state when used by an operator.

Having described the structure of battery pack 10, medical device 12 will now be described in more detail. It is clear that the medical device 12 may be any type of device that provides electrical energy from a portable and replaceable power source. However, in a more preferred embodiment, medical device 12 is a cardiac defibrillator or monitor used to monitor the electrical activity of a patient's heart, and optionally provides energy to the heart. It is like adding a pulse signal to restore the proper operating state.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12 is shown used in conjunction with a battery pack 10. The cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12 includes a body 94 that includes various components needed to administer cardiac defibrillation pulse signals to a patient and the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12. It can be seen that a portable handle 96 is provided so that the operator can easily carry the device. The battery pack 10 is housed in a battery pack housing 98 provided in the main body 94 of the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12.

To describe the layout of the defibrillator and monitor 12 in more detail, the carrying handle 96 is located adjacent one corner of the front end of the bottom surface 100 of the defibrillator and monitor 12. On the other hand, the battery pack storage section 98 is located on the top surface 10 of the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12.
2 and is located approximately midway between its two sides. As discussed below, the placement of the battery pack compartment 98 cooperates with the mass of the battery pack 10 and the distribution of the various components of the defibrillator and monitor 12.
When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the battery pack housing 98, the center of mass of the defibrillator and monitor 12 is positioned approximately in line with the carrying handle. As a result, the defibrillator and monitor 12 are relatively easy to transport.

Similar to battery pack 10, battery pack compartment 98 includes a battery storage compartment 104 and a connector compartment 106. This battery pack storage compartment 9
The battery storage compartment 104 in the case 16 is sized to accommodate the battery storage compartment 22 of the case 16, and the connector compartment 106 of the battery pack compartment 98 is sized to accommodate the battery storage compartment 22 of the case 16.
It is sized to accommodate six connector compartments 24. This connector compartment 106 is associated with various components of the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12 that provide storage, removal, and electrical connections for the battery pack 10.

In this connection, three male connection plugs 108 are designed for cooperative engagement with female receptacles 86 on battery pack 10.
As shown in FIG. 5, it is located on the inner surface of the connector compartment 106 of the battery pack housing 98. The connection plugs 108 are aligned with the battery pack receptacles 86 in a triangular array corresponding to these connectors. These receptacles 86 and connection plugs 108 are coupled with a relatively high friction fit to ensure good electrical connection of the battery pack 10 to the defibrillator and monitor 12.

A latch assembly 110 is also provided on the defibrillator and monitor 12 adjacent the connector compartment 106 of the battery pack compartment 98. As shown, the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12 includes a housing 112 that extends along the connector section 106 of the battery pack compartment 98 and supports a latch assembly 110. In particular, the components of the latch assembly 110 are housed within a latch recess 114 within the housing 112. These components include latch arm 116, latch assembly spring 118, latch attachment screw 120, and latch bias spring 122.

The relationships among these components are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown, the latch arm 11
6 has a lifting piece 124 on one end and a biasing tab 12 on the other end.
Contains 6. A latch pivot bar 128 is located between the lift piece 124 and the biasing tab 126. Similarly, a latch projection 130 is located between pivot bar 128 and lift piece 124.

The lower surface of the pivot bar 128 is curved and is rotatably disposed within a curved pivot bar recess 132 included as part of the latch recess 114. As latch arm 116 rotates, latch protrusion 130
A latch projection opening 134 communicates the latch recess 114 with the connector compartment 106 of the battery pack compartment 98.
It passes through this area and is inserted or pulled up from here. The latch protrusion 130 can thus cooperatively engage the latch surface 64 provided on the battery pack case 16, as will be explained in more detail.

[0057] The latch arm 116 is attached to the assembled spring 11.
8 and a mounting screw 120 within the latch recess 114 . In connection therewith, assembly spring 118
is a leaf spring, and the spring 118 is provided with a curved step approximately halfway between its ends, which contacts the pivot bar 128. This assembled spring 11
A hole 136 is provided at one end of the recess 114, through which the mounting screw 12 is inserted into a screw mount 138 provided in a part of the recess 114.
Fixed at 0. The other end of the assembly spring 118 is provided with a pair of slots 140 for engaging the take-out springs spaced apart from each other, and the biasing tab 12 of the latch arm 116
6 and protrudes from the opening of the recess 114. The assembly spring 118 is attached to the mounting screw 120 and the recess 114.
The pivot bar 12
8, the latch arm 116 is securely retained within the latch recess 114.

The biasing spring 122 is attached to the latch arm 1.
16 biasing tabs 126 and the free end of the assembly spring 118. This cylindrical biasing spring 1
One end of 22 is connected to a biasing tab 126 of latch arm 116.
Is receiving. The other end of the biasing spring 122 is in contact with the assembly spring 118.

Considering the basic operation of these components of latch assembly 110, latch arm 116 is typically flush with the surface of cardiac defibrillator and monitor housing 112, as shown in FIG. There is. In this position, the biasing spring 122 is biased against the biasing tab 1 of the latch arm 116.
26 is biased upwardly, and the latch protrusion 130 is rotated downwardly through the protrusion opening 134. By lifting the latch arm lift piece 124, the latch arm 116 rotates about the bar 128 in the opposite direction, compressing the biasing spring 122 through the biasing tab 126 and forcing the latch protrusion 130 into the protrusion opening 134. pull it up from

A cylindrical ejection spring 142 is also included in the defibrillator and monitor 12 and projects from the interior surface of the connector compartment 106 of the battery pack compartment 98. The protruding end of the take-out spring 142 is movable along an axial direction extending substantially parallel to both side surfaces of the battery pack storage section 98. The attached end of the ejector spring 142 is coupled to the defibrillator and monitor 12 by an ejector spring retention tab 144 that is included in a portion of the latch recess 114 and that allows the attached end to move axially. is being restrained. Further, the alignment of the take-out spring 142 is ensured by a take-out spring engaging slot portion 140 provided at the end of the assembly spring 118. Specifically, these slot portions 140 are connected to the take-out spring 142.
is engaged in two sections 180 degrees apart in a cross section adjacent to its attachment end.

Accordingly, the holding tab 144 and the spring engagement slot portion 140 are connected to the take-out spring 142.
are supported axially symmetrically with respect to an imaginary reference plane that is parallel to the side surface of the battery pack storage section 98 and that divides the connector section 106 of the battery pack storage section 98 approximately in half. This virtual reference plane is axially aligned with the connection plug 108 of the battery pack compartment and symmetrically divides the connection plug 108 at its apex, while passing midway between the two connection plugs 108 below it. are doing.

Insertion of the battery pack 10 into the battery pack housing 98 of the defibrillator and monitor 12 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. Battery pack housing 1
2 is first introduced into the battery pack housing 98. Lips 146 on the defibrillator and monitor housing 112 on opposite sides of the battery pack compartment 98 cooperatively engage recesses 40 and 42 in the top surface 34 of the battery pack 10 . These lips 146 assist in maintaining the desired alignment between battery pack 10 and battery pack housing 98 during insertion, and provide support for maintaining the top surface 34 of battery pack 10
The battery pack 10 is restricted from moving in the vertical direction.

Both sides 148 of the battery pack housing 98 also have first and second sides 30 of the battery pack 10 to guide the battery pack 10 during insertion.
, 32. It can also be seen that both side surfaces 148 of the battery pack housing section 98 restrict movement of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction relative to the first and second side surfaces 30 and 32.

The clearance recess 72 provided in the cover 18 allows the battery pack 10 to be inserted into the battery pack housing 98 without obstruction.

[0065] When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the battery pack housing 98, the battery pack 10 is secured within the battery pack housing 98 by the latch assembly 110, and movement along the insertion line is restricted. As particularly shown in FIG. 5, a latch lift surface 66 located adjacent the front end of the connector compartment 24 of the battery pack 10 initially contacts a latch protrusion 130 located on the latch arm 116. The latch projection 130 is sloped so that the latch lifting surface 66 can easily lift the latch projection 130. That is, the insertion force is transmitted to the latch arm 116,
The biasing spring 122 is compressed to cause the latch protrusion 130 to rise.

[0066] When the battery pack 10 is continued to be inserted,
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the latch surface 64 of the connector compartment 24 of the battery pack will eventually have a latch protrusion 130.
pass through. Latch assembly 1 at the point shown in FIG.
10 biasing spring 122 rotates latch arm 116 into firm contact between latch protrusion 130 and latch surface 64 on battery pack 10 . As a result, the battery pack 10 cannot move along the insertion line.

At the point shown in FIG.
The free end of 42 contacts an ejection surface 62 provided on connector compartment 24 of housing 14 . At this point, the ejection spring 142 is connected to the connector compartment 2 of the battery pack 10.
4 is housed within a recess 154 defined by the top wall 50 at 4. When the battery pack 10 is further inserted into the battery pack housing 98, the take-out spring 142 is compressed as shown in FIG. During this time, the connection plug 1 provided on the cardiac defibrillator and monitor 12
08 will contact and fully engage the receptacle 86 provided on the battery pack 10.

To remove the battery pack 10 from the battery pack housing 98, the lifting piece 124 of the latch arm 116 is manually lifted to the position shown in FIG. As a result, the latch arm 116 rotates about the pivot bar 128, compressing the biasing spring 122 and lifting the latch projection 130 from the projection opening 134. When the latch protrusion 130 is disengaged from the latch surface 64 of the battery pack 10, the battery pack 10
can be pulled out from the battery pack storage section 98 along the insertion line. Ejection surface 6 of battery pack 10
The force of the take-out spring 142 compressed against the force of the pull-out spring 142 assists in taking out the battery pack 10.

Battery pack 10 of latch assembly 110, ejection spring 142 and connection plug 108
The arrangement for is slightly different from that of the prior art. Rather than aligning the forces of the ejection spring and latch assembly with a plane passing through the center of mass of the battery pack 10, where they can act more directly on the mass of the battery pack, they
Arranged at an off-center position of 0. These parallel forms are
In some respects, this is due to the limitations of the device 12, but it is possible to construct a mechanically simple battery pack 10 even if it is geometrically complex. During insertion and removal, the tendency for torque or rotational force to be generated in the ejection spring 142 that is mounted on one side of the battery pack 10, i.e., biased, ensures axial alignment of ejection, coupling, and latching mechanisms. It is reduced by As a result, the battery pack 10 can be easily, smoothly, and reliably connected to and disconnected from the device 12.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are merely illustrative and that various changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It will be understood by In this regard, and as discussed above, the invention is readily implemented with different types of batteries and different circuits on circuit boards. Furthermore, the relationship between the battery storage compartment and the connector compartment of the battery pack can be varied as desired. The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, as these and many other modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art are possible.

[0071]

Effects of the Invention As explained above, the battery pack according to the present invention cooperates with a medical device so that the latch portion engaging member and the ejecting portion engaging member Since the mating member and the connector member are basically aligned, it is possible to construct a mechanically simple battery pack with a shape that makes it easy to arrange the medical device, and it is easy to connect the battery pack and the medical device. is linear, and electrical and mechanical connections can be made simultaneously in one motion, smoothly and reliably. In addition, the latch surface is located away from the center of mass of the battery pack.
Since there is a line of action that aligns the extraction surface and the connector surface, the force acting on the center of mass is stable, allowing smooth insertion and extraction. Therefore, even during medical treatment, battery pack replacement, which requires emergency operation, can be performed quickly and easily. Further, for a removed battery pack, a charger can be immediately connected to a charger connecting member provided on the rear side of the battery pack.

Furthermore, since the center of gravity of the medical device is aligned with the carrying handle when the battery pack is attached, the medical device naturally hangs down from the user's hand when being carried. The device can be maintained in the correct position at all times. Therefore, the medical device will not be exposed to unexpected shocks due to contact with surrounding objects during transportation of the medical device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing the structural relationship between a battery storage compartment and a connector compartment of a battery pack according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention, exploded from the back side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view showing the insertion relationship between the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 and the medical device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the initial stage of the operation of inserting the battery pack according to the present invention into the medical device or the final stage of the operation of removing the battery pack from the medical device.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the second step of inserting the battery pack into the medical device or the first step of removing the battery pack according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the final stage of operation when the battery pack according to the invention is inserted into a medical device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections among the battery pack, medical device, charger, etc. according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Battery pack 12 Medical equipment (cardiac defibrillator and monitor) 14
Housing 16 Case 18 Cover 22 Battery storage compartment 24 Connector compartment 26 Front surface 28 Rear surface 30 First side surface 34 Top surface 46 First battery storage chamber 48 Second battery storage chamber 62 Removal surface 64 Latch surface 66 Latch lifting surface 78 Battery 80 Battery 86 Receptacle 90 Connector block 98 Battery pack storage 104 Battery storage compartment 106 Connector compartment 108 Male connection plug 110 Latch assembly 112 Housing 114 Latch recess 116 Latch arm 122 Latch bias spring 130 Latch protrusion 142 Extraction spring

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A battery pack for use in a medical device that includes a latch part, a takeout part, and an electrical connection part, the energy storage member having a center of mass and storing electrical energy, and the energy storage member. a latch part engaging member that is physically connected to the latch part and engages with the latch part;
a take-out part engaging member that is physically coupled to the energy storage member and engages with the take-out part; and a connector member that is physically coupled to the energy storage member and engages with the electrical connection part. . A battery pack, wherein the latch portion engaging member, the ejecting portion engaging member, and the connector member are substantially aligned with each other based on a plane that is off the center of mass of the battery pack. 2. A battery pack for use in a medical device, the medical device having a portable handle and a battery pack storage portion configured to accommodate the battery pack, further comprising: a battery pack for use in a medical device; a latch member adjacent to one side of the battery pack storage portion that releasably engages a battery pack introduced into the battery pack storage portion; an ejection member applying an ejection force to the battery pack introduced into the housing, the battery pack having a housing including a battery storage compartment and a connector compartment, the battery storage compartment having a front surface, a rear surface, a first one side and a second side, the connector compartment being located adjacent to the first side of the battery storage compartment and including a recess defined in part by a latching surface and an ejection surface;
The housing is receivable within the battery pack compartment, the latching surface cooperatively engages the latching member, and the recess is recessed when the battery pack is introduced into the battery pack compartment. the ejector surface at least partially receives the ejector member, the ejector face cooperatively engages the ejector member when the battery pack is introduced into the battery pack compartment; at least one battery is housed therein, a connection member being at least partially housed by the connector compartment and allowing the battery to be electrically connected to the medical device, the battery pack being housed in the battery pack storage; A battery pack configured such that the center of mass of the medical device generally aligns with the portable handle of the medical device when introduced into the medical device. 3. A battery pack used in a device equipped with a latch member and an ejection mechanism, the battery storage having a substantially parallelepiped shape and having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. a compartment, an energy storage member housed in the battery storage compartment to store energy and supply it to the device, and a connector compartment provided on the first side of the battery storage compartment;
a connector surface, a latching surface, and an ejection surface, each surface parallel to a front surface of the battery storage compartment, the connector surface of the connector compartment being spaced a first distance from the front surface of the battery storage compartment; A latching surface of the compartment is spaced apart from a front face of the battery storage compartment by a second distance greater than the first distance, and an ejection face of the connector compartment is spaced apart from the front face of the battery storage compartment by a third distance greater than the second distance. a connector section, wherein a latching surface of the connector section cooperatively engages a latch member of the device, and an ejection surface of the connector section cooperatively engages an ejection mechanism of the device; an electrical connection member physically coupled to the connector face of the connector compartment and electrically connected to the energy storage member to provide electrical connection with the device. 4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the connector surface, the latch surface, and the ejection surface are provided with one reference central plane that can be symmetrically divided. 5. The cross section of the connector section is approximately L.
The battery pack according to claim 3, which has a letter shape. 6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the battery storage compartment includes recesses at positions adjacent to the first side surface and the second side surface on the top surface of the battery storage compartment. 7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the battery storage compartment includes a fitting recess on the bottom surface of the battery storage compartment. 8. The connector compartment is substantially parallel to and spaced from a front face of the battery storage compartment by a fourth distance greater than the third distance so as to further enable use of a charger for the battery pack. 4. The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising a charger connection surface at the position. 9. A charger connection member physically connected to the charger connection surface of the connector compartment and electrically connected to the energy storage member to provide electrical connection with the charger. The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising: 10. A method for connecting a battery pack to a medical device, the method comprising: introducing the battery pack into a battery pack housing provided in the medical device; and connecting a connector provided to the battery pack. electrically connecting to a corresponding connector on the medical device; mechanically engaging a latching surface on the battery pack to a latching member on the medical device; bringing a take-out surface provided on the battery pack into contact with a take-out member provided on the medical device, such that each step easily achieves connection between the battery pack and the medical device. , a method for connecting battery packs that performs electrical connection, mechanical engagement, and contact in a substantially aligned state. 11. A medical device for use with a battery pack, comprising: a housing; a portable handle member connected to the housing to allow a user to carry the medical device; a battery pack storage section provided in the battery pack storage section for accommodating the battery pack, such that when the battery pack is stored in the battery pack storage section, the center of gravity of the medical device is generally aligned with the portable handle of the medical device. a latch member that is assembled into a housing adjacent to the battery pack storage portion and releasably engages with the battery pack when the battery pack is accommodated in the battery pack storage portion; a take-out member that is assembled into the housing so as to be adjacent to the battery pack housing and aligned with the latch member, and that applies a reaction force to the battery pack when the battery pack is accommodated in the battery pack housing; A medical device using a battery pack, the battery pack including an electrical connection member that is assembled into a housing so as to be adjacent to and aligned with the extraction member and electrically connects the battery pack to the medical device. 12. The latch member includes a pressure latch portion biased in one direction, the ejecting member includes a spring, and the electrical connection member includes a plurality of electrical connectors, and the latch portion, the spring and the 12. A medical device using a battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the electrical connectors are arranged around a common centerline.